The masters of musical political satire, the Capitol Steps, return to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in  Skokie Jan. 21 -24. This coincides with President Obama’s one year anniversary in office so the timing could not be more perfect!

The Capitol Steps have been a long standing Centre East audience favorite and their take on last  year’s Blogo- gate shenanigans was a major spotlight in their January 2009 North Shore  engagement. Back then, the Steps were just beginning to get a  sense of  the President Elect  and one of their biggest challenges in doing so was that he was almost too perfect. But its a year later  and with all the issues  from health care to the recent  Holiday airline security snafu to the  escalation in Afghanistan in the news, I can’t wait to see what they’ll feature in their North Shore performances this time ( I’m personally hoping they’ll treat us to a line or two of “O Rahm O Rahm Emanuel”).  If you’ve never enjoyed a Capitol Steps show before you can get a taste of their humor by visiting their website and snagging a listen from their  recent New Year’s Eve Radio Special …but, better yet, catch one of their shows!  The Saturday and Sunday shows are almost sold out but the Thursday and Friday shows still have seats AND some seats are as low as $25. For more info, visit www.northshorecenter.org.

It’s a child’s dream come true!

Nickelodeon’s latest musical adventure,  “STORYTIME LIVE,” brings four of the top-rated preschool shows together for an exciting musical adventure at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., March 12-14. Hosted by Nickelodeon characters Moose and Zee, the show features “The Backyardigans,” “Wonder Pets!,” “Ni Hao, Kai-lan” and “Dora the Explorer.”

Tickets just went on sale and are currently available online at http://www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Rosemont Theatre box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets.  For groups of 15 or more please call GroupTix at 1-877-447-7849.

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Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018 Map | More Info…

American Blues Theatre continues with their “Soldier Spotlights” at performances of this year’s critically acclaimed staging of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!” The five servicemen spotlighted this week include:

Thursday, 12/10 8 p.m.: 1^st Lt. Milton Greenfield, Army.  Greenfield’s heroic efforts during World War II earned him nine medals including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Purple Heart. He saved the lives of three soldiers while under heavy fire and witnessed the loss of his entire crew during a single battle.

Saturday 12/12 5 p.m.: John “Fred” Sharpe, Sgt., 1^st class, Army.

As part of the 3275th Quartermaster Service Company, his first assignment was to set up and receive units in Normandy. He later went on to participate in the Battle of The Bulge. After the war, he became mentor to many troubled youth as a counselor at Sullivan House, coached Little League baseball and volunteered at Bryn Mawr Elementary School.

American Blues Theatre presents “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!” now through Dec. 27.  All performances take place in the new Studio at Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.  For tickets or more information call the Victory Gardens box office at 773-871-3000 or visit victorygardens.org.

Sesame Street Live returns to the Rosemont Theatre with Elmo’s Green Thumb!  Discounted tickets available for group of 10 or more.  May 6-9, 2010, $10-35.  Call GroupTix today for reservations and information: 877-447-7849 www.grouptix.net

Centre East, at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie, is giving budget conscious holiday shoppers a special treat with its first ever Black Friday Sale. Beginning 10 a.m. on the busiest shopping day of the year, Fri., Nov. 27, anyone who uses code FRIDAY when purchasing single tickets will receive a 20% discount off regular ticket price for the 17 events remaining in the 2009-2010 season. Read the rest of this entry »

As you recover from the post-turkey shopping melee this coming weekend, think about going out to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie to see Cirque Le Masque, an amazing acrobatic circus!

With death defying feats, spectacular effects and performers seemingly oblivious to the forces of gravity, Cirque Le Masque is filled with non-stop excitement for the whole family! What a great way get away from the in-laws and out of the house!

To get this special offer of 4 tickets for $99, use code 4PACK online at northshorecenter.org or call 847.673.6300. Some restrictions apply, contact the box office for full details.

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North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077 Map | More Info…

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Next Monday Olympia Dukakis will be in Chicago!

Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis will be the special guest at American Blues Theater’s “The Rebirth of Blues Benefit,” Monday, Nov. 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Bridgeview Bank, 4753 N. Broadway. The acclaimed theater company kicks off its 24^th season with this awesome party….and you can be there!

Tickets are $75 ($125 VIP tickets include a 5:30 p.m. private reception with Dukakis). Parking is available adjacent to the bank and is complimentary. For tickets, call 312.725.4ABT or visit americanbluestheater.com. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Saturday, Oct. 31 …All dressed up with kid in tow but looking for somewhere  to go during the day? Swing by the Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted St. for the noon or 3 p.m. performance of Chicago Children’s Theatre’s hit musical “The Hundred Dresses.” Old Man Svenson will give you a great scare and if you haven’t decided on your costume yet you might get an idea or two from the character Willie Bounce. After the show you can meet the cast in the lobby who, in the spirit of the day, will be handing out treats. Plus, as a special treat for Chicago this Halloween there’s a special offer: one child (12 and under) ticket free with purchase of each full-price adult ticket! Folks should request “Treat4” when ordering. Offer applies to Saturday, Oct. 31 only (subject to availability; restrictions apply).

For tickets or more info  call the Royal George Box Office, 312.988.9000.